The boxing world has been left in mourning after the tragic passing of Irish super-featherweight boxer John Cooney at the age of 28. Cooney, who suffered a devastating brain injury during his title fight against Welsh opponent Nathan Howells in Belfast, fought for his life for a week before succumbing to his injuries.
The news has sent shockwaves through the sporting community, with tributes pouring in from fellow boxers, fans, and sports figures across the globe.
A Tragic End to a Promising Career
John Cooney entered the boxing ring on Saturday night at Ulster Hall, full of confidence and determination, as he looked to defend his Celtic super-featherweight title.
The fight, which was supposed to be a moment of celebration and competition, turned into a nightmare when Cooney suffered an intracranial haemorrhage. After being assessed by the medical team in the ring, he was stretchered out and rushed to Belfastās Royal Victoria Hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain.
Despite the best efforts of the medical professionals, Cooney remained in critical condition for a week before passing away. His family, fiancƩe Emmaleen, and loved ones were by his side throughout his final days. MHD Promotions released a statement expressing their grief and acknowledging the support received from the boxing community.
Read : Boxer Imane Khelif Confirmed As āBiological Maleā In Leaked Medical Report
“It is with complete devastation that we have to announce that after a week of battling for his life, John Cooney has sadly passed away,” the statement read. “He was a much-loved son, brother, and partner, and it will take us all a lifetime to forget how special he was. RIP John ‘The Kid’ Cooney.”
A Rising Star in the Boxing World
John Cooneyās death is particularly heart-wrenching because of the promising career that lay ahead of him. A native of Galway, Ireland, Cooney had shown remarkable talent from an early age. His skills and determination led him to claim the Celtic super-featherweight title in November 2023, with a stunning first-round victory over Liam Gaynor at Dublinās 3Arena.
That event was one of the highlights of his career, taking place on the undercard of Katie Taylorās highly anticipated rematch against Chantelle Cameron.
Following his title win, Cooney faced setbacks due to a hand injury that kept him out of the ring for almost a year. However, his resilience and passion for boxing saw him return in October 2024, when he secured a victory against Tanzanian fighter Tampela Maharusi in London. His comeback was seen as a stepping stone to bigger opportunities in the sport, making his sudden passing even more heartbreaking.
Another Boxer lost his life tragically after sustaining a brain Injury after his Fight ….. Just 28 years old…
— NICK BLACKWELL (@nickblackwell02) February 8, 2025
John Cooney, the boxer who had to undergo emergency brain surgery following defeat in his Celtic Title fight on Saturday, has sadly passed away in hospital.
All ofā¦ pic.twitter.com/JKWSJafb9w
Barry McGuigan, a former world champion and an esteemed figure in boxing, expressed his devastation over Cooneyās death. Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, McGuigan said, “It’s terrifying that this could happen to a 28-year-old kid who looked in the prime of his life. Itās just hard to believe it. He was just a lovely, sweet kid. Ambitious, determined, and driven. To have his life snapped away like that is just tragic.”
Tributes Pour In for a Fallen Fighter
The boxing community and sports world have come together to mourn John Cooneyās passing. Fellow athletes, fans, and organizations have shared messages of condolence and support for his grieving family. Social media has been flooded with tributes, as many reflect on the talent and character of the young boxer.
Conrad Cummings, a former double WBO European champion, shared his sorrow on social media, saying, “John Cooney, the warrior, gave up his fight & passed away this evening. I am deeply saddened. I can’t begin to think of the hurt his poor fiancĆ©e & family are going through. I pray they find the strength.”
Michael Conlan, an Olympic medallist and fellow Irish boxing star, also paid tribute to Cooney. “It’s a very sad day for the Irish boxing community. My thoughts and prayers go out to John’s family and friends,” Conlan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The Irish Athletic Boxing Association (IABA) and various boxing organizations have also issued statements recognizing Cooneyās contributions to the sport and offering their condolences to his loved ones. Fans have organized vigils and memorial events to celebrate his life and career, showing the impact he had on the sport and the people around him.
The Dangers of Boxing and Calls for Safety Measures
Cooneyās tragic death has once again brought attention to the risks associated with professional boxing. While the sport has made significant advancements in medical protocols and safety measures, incidents like this serve as a painful reminder of the dangers that boxers face every time they step into the ring.
There have been renewed calls for stricter regulations, improved medical assessments, and more rigorous safety protocols to protect fighters. Some have suggested mandatory post-fight brain scans for all competitors, increased ringside medical supervision, and longer recovery periods for boxers who sustain heavy blows during matches.
The conversation surrounding fighter safety has gained momentum in recent years, with the boxing world witnessing other tragic cases of severe injuries and deaths. The loss of John Cooney has reignited debates about whether enough is being done to ensure the well-being of athletes who put their lives on the line for the sport they love.
Remembering John Cooneyās Legacy
Despite the heartbreaking nature of his passing, John Cooneyās legacy will live on in the memories of those who knew and admired him. His dedication to boxing, his perseverance through injuries, and his sportsmanship will be remembered by fans and fellow athletes alike.
Cooneyās family, fiancĆ©e, and friends will now have the difficult task of navigating life without him. However, the outpouring of support from the boxing world and the wider community will hopefully provide them with some comfort during this devastating time.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certaināJohn Cooneyās passion for boxing and the impact he made in his short but remarkable career will never be forgotten.
His fighting spirit, his determination, and his kindness will remain in the hearts of those who knew and supported him. The sport of boxing has lost a bright star, but his memory will continue to inspire future generations of fighters who step into the ring.